Somerset County Democratic Committee Vice Chair Zenon Christodoulou sat in the audience at the presidential debate in Columbus, Ohio and sized up the candidates running for the nomination of his party.

“After many conversations with students and debate attendees, I’m surprised with the persistent level of voter indecision,” he told InsiderNJ. “People really are undecided as to which candidate is their favorite. Many people are concerned with social issues like the environment and gun control, but there is very little consensus on their favorite candidate. There’s a lot of work to be done by all of the candidates. The race is just getting started and tonight will be a big step in that direction.”

Christodoulou backs U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ).

“Cory tried to defend Joe [Biden] by suggesting that Dems shouldn’t do [President Donald] Trump’s work for him,” said the vice chair, observing the action.

“Very noble,” he added.

Moments later, an ad by the Somerset GOP flashed on screen in a CNN commercial break attacking Christodoulou’s countywide candidates back in Somerset. The ad called out by name freeholder candidate Melonie Marano and sheriff candidate Darrin Russo. The Democrats are running in a control election against GOP incumbent Freeholder Pat Walsh and her running mate, sheriff’s candidate Bill Parenti.

“Mind boggling that they would choose to spread lies about our candidates during the Dem debate,” said Somerset County Democratic Committee Executive Director James Corti. “Guess they don’t have enough support for their candidates within the party of Trump. But we are grateful that they are helping to fire up our base before this important election.”

The ad was a stunning intrusion.

“The audience seems very concerned that Elizabeth Warren is getting the lion’s share of the attention,” Christodoulou observed. “They are looking for more substantive answers from more candidates.”

Later in the debate, the GOP zapped so-called “socialist agenda” approving LD21 Democrats Lisa Mandelblatt and Stacey Gunderman, who are running against incumbent Republicans Assemblyman Jon Bramnick and Assemblywoman Stacey Gunderman.